Meghalaya to vet objections to proposed limestone mining project in Jaintia Hills
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Meghalaya government will examine objections raised by pressure groups and local villagers over the proposed limestone mining project in Daistong village in Jaintia Hills district before taking a final decision, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday.
Dhar made the statement after meeting a delegation comprising members of the Jaintia National Council, Jaintia Students’ Union, and villagers, who submitted a petition alleging irregularities in the public hearing and environmental clearance process linked to the proposed mining project.
The meeting came hours after youth organisations from Jaintia Hills staged a protest rally in Shillong opposing the project. Protesters marching towards the state secretariat were stopped by police amid heavy security deployment.
“Since the petition has been submitted to me, I will examine the matter accordingly. I cannot say whether we will stop or continue the project. We have to look into it first,” Dhar told reporters.
He said the concerns raised primarily relate to environmental clearance, which falls under the Forest Department headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
“They have objected to the environmental clearance, so it falls under the Forest Department. I will have to share it with the Chief Minister, as he is in charge of the department,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said the government would verify whether all statutory procedures had been followed before taking any further steps on the project.
The protests were triggered by a proposed public hearing scheduled for May 22 for the limestone mining project. Villagers and pressure groups have opposed the project, alleging violations of environmental and land laws, and expressing concerns over potential ecological damage and loss of livelihood.